"You two, you also passed!"
I glanced at my companion, and she just inclined her head in my direction nonchalantly, implying that there was no way the vice principal was talking to the two of us, and I wholeheartedly agreed wordlessly as we continued following the last stragglers like us who are hurrying back to the entrance with their bags.
When we were about to go through the door, the potted bonsai plants along the way suddenly grew exponentially and blockaded our path, which shocked me.
"What the..."
"Unless you two are deaf, you will come here."
We slowly turned around and saw Vice Principal Metis with the man who collected our test papers waiting for us on the stage.
My companion and I walk in their direction with our luggage in tow.
"Cady Ravier and Arcelon Mcreinen?"
We both nodded at the woman who glanced at the man next to her who spoke next.
"You two passed."
I blinked and let out a hollow laugh, "That's impossible. If we did, we would've been called earlier among the twenty."
"If you remember what I told you all earlier, the top twenty will get the slots for freshmen commoners," she said patiently before dropping the words I never thought I would hear, "However, you and Miss Ravier here got scores high enough to be put in the noble sections."
But Cady was clearly not having any of it, "That's impossible. The seats reserved for the nobilities are only on a case-to-case basis. There can be no vacancy for commoners to ascend to their levels."
"Hearing you answer that fact makes me believe more that you know far too much for a mere commoner," the man said, who then turned to the now very pensive vice principal, "It will take forever to explain it all, and we don't have the luxury of time to do so. The principal will be very annoyed if there were empty seats when he took the stage. Why not let "him" do the lifting, Miss Metis? After all, they are technically his charge now. Wouldn't you agree?"
The vice-principal quickly nodded and shooed us towards the door to the right instead, "Agreed. Mr. Mcreinen, Ms. Ravier, again, you two passed under special circumstances. All shall be explained in due time after the opening ceremony on the campus proper. For now, head towards that door and quickly change to your respective uniforms, and leave your bags here. Don't worry, we have a selection of different sizes, I am sure you will find ones that fit you quickly. We will have our staff bring them to your dormitory. A chauffeur will arrive in ten minutes to collect you and bring you straight to the academy's auditorium. Your advisor will come for you."
Before we could even say a word, the man gave us a curt nod and pointed at the door once more.
-0-
"Now there's a sight I never thought I will see..."
Cady looked at me as I gazed upon my reflection in the clear water fountain of the primary school building.
Like her, I wear a red, black, and white variant of the academy's uniform.
"Why? Did you know why they gave us this uniform and not the regular ones?"
I winced and looked at my companion, wearing the uniform for females the same color as mine.
I avoided the question and tried to smile, "No, I don't have any idea. But what I do know is that we have to hurry towards the auditorium for the opening ceremony."
"Right," she agreed, but she was not thoroughly convinced about my reply. We heard the announcement calling for all the first-year students to proceed to the building on the west side of the primary school building, "Let's go then."
We started walking hurried and quietly thanked the fact that my ordinarily inquisitive companion was for once clueless about something for a change.
Ignorant I may be on basic things, I researched a lot about this academy since it is my dream to study here, and elements forbid I am correct on my guess this time.
White and black are for commoners, silver, and blue for nobilities.
Black and red are usually reserved for...
"Arcelon, over here! Hurry! The ceremony is about to start!"
I was again pulled out of my stupor by Cady, who is now waving in my direction, sitting already at the furthermost corner of the auditorium we just entered a little while ago with an empty chair she managed to save up for me.
I quickly ran towards her and settled myself as a man in his mid to late forties with an impressive build wearing the same silver and gold uniform as the man who collected our test papers earlier went up the stage and stood in front of the podium bearing the crest of the school.
"Principal Balder of the Crysalian Military Academy!"
He looked around at several thousands of students inside the spacious auditorium as we all clapped with an excited smile on his face before speaking in a loud, commanding voice.
"Students, old and new of the Crysalian Military Academy, welcome! Welcome to another academic school year in our hallowed learning institution! Just before I stood in front of you all, I was informed that all of the heirs and heiresses to the Crysalian thrones are gathered in this very room with us all as bright-eyed freshmen!"
There were loud murmurs, excited whispers, and gasps when the principal shared the news that made even Cady gulp in excitement.
"Really?! The successor to the eight nation's seat of power here! This is really becoming something more than I expected it to be, Arcelon!"
"Yeah..."
I gulped nervously as I glanced at my uniform and prayed to the steel crystal that I would be wrong this time around.
I just took comfort that my companion right now is wearing the same colors as I am as a consolation that all hope might not be lost for me.
Yet.
"I highly advised all commoners and nobles alike to exercise due respect and courtesy to our illustrious new students who will have their own class for themselves, the Eighth Class to be headed by the brand new member of our staff, Sir Lycus of the Garm Dominion, Empire of Fenris. A round of applause to the famed mercenary of Crysalia!"
We all clapped our hands when a man stood up from the front row wearing black and read teacher uniform and waved at the students with a mischievous grin on his handsome face.
He must be in his late twenties or early thirties at best. So young and already handling an advisory class full of the highest caliber of nobilities in the world as his first charge.
"I wonder what they are thinking hiring someone like him to teach, much less take care of children that belonged to the class far above his rank?" Cady mused quietly before looking at me, "And he is wearing the same uniform's colors at that. Do you have any guess as to why?"
I quickly shook my head, "Not a clue, Cady."
The more I lie, the more the principal is crumbling the last vestiges of my fantasy that the reality that I am dreading will not come to pass.
"This is a monumental school year not just for the academy but for all of us, students and staff alike. It is a history in the making if I do say so myself, that the future leaders of the world have gathered here at the very same time to benefit from the knowledge these hallowed halls have to offer. To glean from the experiences and skills our teachers have accumulated in their fields of expertise. With the elements' help and the friendship and trust that all of us will hopefully develop, we can reach further growth and development not just for ourselves but also for our respective mothers and fatherlands. I expect that the Student Council and second years to offer whatever assistance and help to our first year students, whatever their social status are. Again, welcome to Crysalian Military Academy, and see you around!"
We all stood up together with everyone in the auditorium to offer our rapturous applause to the principal, who was joined by the school staff and teachers on the stage before dispersing quickly."Now, where do we go from here, Arcelon?""I am wondering that myself, Cady," I said as I looked down when the students around us realized that we were wearing uniforms utterly different from theirs, "Preferably away from the crowd."My companion nodded, and I followed her lead as we walked briskly towards the exit, only to be blockaded by a second year, judging by the ram emblem that is different from the lamb one of the first-year students."And here I thought I will get into trouble this early in the school year because I cannot, for the love of the elements, find you two earlier," she said in a relieved voice before beaming down on us, "Azalea Leilee, President of the Student Council, Second Year Noble."Cady and I bowed our heads as she let out a giggle."My, my, how cute you are. Actuall
"Well, now that you are all introduced, let me tell you who I am in case your snootiness has forgotten already," our adviser sarcastically said before bowing with no hint of respect on it, "Lycus Lycourgos, a vagabond mercenary from the Empire of Fenris' Imperial Garm Dominion and sadly, both for you and me, the Eighth Class' homeroom adviser and field instructor. A pleasure."Loki, the imperial crown prince, didn't even bother hiding his annoyance, "First they got all the heirs and heiresses to the thrones of Crysalia in one class and now hiring a mercenary from the boondocks to lead it. My father's council might be right. This school is going downhill.""While I don't have any qualms with having you as my adviser, I have a few questions about the academy's, how can I say, prudence, into putting all future leaders in one section," Godiva piped in, and Ester followed suit."Given the close proximity of Alcrima with Brigansys, our cultures are not that different, I am sure I can have a
"Military-grade revolver?"I grinned at Cady when she saw me pull out my weapon from its case taken from me before we rode the car on our way here, "Outdated, but I heard it is still viable for self-defense, at the very least.""And a palatinate-quality at that. Where did you get this?""A memento from my granduncle. It is his most prized possession, or so I am told," I replied as I put them on my leg holsters, "Where's your weapon, Cady?"She smiled at me dangerously and showed her empty hand, "I have mine right here."Oh, right.Alcriman hand-to-hand combat style at its finest.Viceroyals are known for their expertise with their hands. It is said that they can kill monsters in a hundred ways using their hands alone."So, they are all downstairs, right?"She pointed at the open trapdoor at the center of the empty entrance hall with stairs leading further below."Well, nowhere to put catacombs but the underground, Cady," I answered simply as we began to walk towards it, "I wonder what
Cady shrugged her shoulders as she stood up, and we continued walking onwards, "Maybe Himiko is right all along. The academy, no, the theocracy may be hiding treasures here. After all, if you want something of utmost value, there's no better place than a maze of a labyrinth to throw off would-be robbers.""True. But the question is, what is it and why here?"Before she can open her mouth to answer, the place is suddenly rocked by a massive shockwave that pushes us to the ground and shakes the entire catacombs that I fear will cave in on the two of us for a second."What the?! An earthquake?!""No! Something gigantic slammed the ground not far from here," Cady answered as she hurried to regain her footing before me, "We should go to the direction where it came from. It's due west here, come on, Arcelon!"I quickly shook my head in fear, "Shouldn't we be running the other way?! If there's danger, the most logical thing to do is to get as far from it as possible, not head to it!""What a
In a flash of fire, Sir Lycus appeared in front of us as I struggled to stand up with the help of Cady and Zeo.He is grinning from ear to ear as he looks at each and every one of us with a bemused expression on his face, "I will have you transferred to your respective noble classes together with your countrymates posthaste. You go to the viceroyal regular lot for our two commoners.""Wait, you said we have to leave the catacombs before sundown to earn the right to be transferred to our respective regular classes," Ester said before glancing at the twilight skies, "If we are going to follow the Hyilian time, we failed to do that.""Well, we have also taken into account that for some odd reason you decided to pick a fight with the Brigansys Drac and survived, that you will also be allowed to do as you pleased," the adviser then looked at where the giant tree that Krios summoned earlier to hold the monster in place before grinning at the green pool of toxic sludge that I managed to defe
The imperial crown prince nodded pensively and spoke respectfully, "What he said is correct, Cady. Regardless of the commoner blood and status that you have, the fact that you bear a herald makes you no different in the eyes of Fenris, the successor to the ancient nation that puts a lot of respect towards all herald users.""Thank you, Your Imperial Highness, Sir Lycus. But even if I didn't bear a heraldry, I will still opt to stay. No one from my social standing has the chance to ever study with the future world leaders. I will be a complete and utter idiot to pass up this once in a millenia chance.""A very reasonable answer, Cady. Not to mention I am informed by Metis that your examination results earlier stated that you know far more than even the second years close to graduation right now. You don't have anything more to learn academically speaking if you are given what is in store for the regular classes. By staying here, you will gain more knowledge and experience that you are
"I think it is actually better now that I have to tour you after sundown here in Valeria, the sub-urban town well within the Crysalian Military Academy," Caileane said excitedly as she toured us around the busy streets full of students buying things for their dorm rooms, "You will find stores that cater to both commoners and nobles alike. Branded and general goods are overflowing. Here is my favorite shop for just about everything I need inside my dorm room."Our group stopped in front of a rather quaint and cheap local store full of students from the lower classes, literally taking everything off the shelves because of the new school year sale."I thought you are from the House of Azalea, one of the most prominent noble families of the empire?" Godiva asked, and Loki nodded quietly as he looked at the student council president with a bit of curiosity in his eyes, "Why are you buying in a general goods store?"Our guide just laughed off the question, "Yes, I am from a well-known noble
"You're not going to freeload on us, are you?"I looked in Loki's direction and raised an eyebrow, "I will not ask for money, especially from the likes of someone who don't even know its value."Aquilo laughed aloud as Cady smiled despite herself while the rest of the scions looked offended by what I had just said.All of them, except Himiko, giggled loudly, "If I am an heiress of another nation, I will take your words as offending and discriminatory. But, alas, that's the truth. Most of those born from the monarchies or the top of the nobility food chain are ignorant of how important currency is.""And you are not?" Ester asked pointedly as the baronetess winked at her meaningfully."Of course, I am not. A scion like you I may be, I am from Vosque. The land of commerce where crys is the real ruler and we members of the ruling family are merely there to make sure the cash flowing for everyone else. I definitely understand where our commoner classmate is getting from and his reaction a
I nodded and took a deep breath before speaking, "As you all might already know, Alcrima and Fang seceded from the empire together when it fractured a long time ago. The two different clans of metal and earth, due to their symbiotic relationship with each other decided to unite as one nation under the palatinate. But a few hundred years ago, the Monarchy of Fang heard the calls for a more democratic government by the Alcrimans, thus granting them independence. However, they also demanded to keep the special relationship between the nations. I guess Cady can carry on from here.""I will, Arcelon," she agreed and continued from where I left, "As he said, my people wanted more democracy but not to the point of existing on our own because we are so used to be with our Fangian brothers and sisters. So our forefathers and mothers adopted a viceroyal type of government to still be technically under the palatinate's sphere of influence while getting the democracy we wanted all along without c
She then looked at me and Cady, who was sitting next to each other at the back of the class, expectantly, "Before I begin my lesson, I would like to advise you all that in case some of you are not aware yet, Ms. Cady and Mr. Arcelon scored the highest on theoretical and practical applications of political studies during the scholar examinations respectively. I and Sir Trajan checked the paper ourselves and we are thoroughly impressed.""Coming from a commoner background, that is impressive," Ester remarked in approval as my companion smiled shyly."You are giving me too much credit, really. I am instructed by my benefactor months before I was sent here for the scholar examinations," she then deflected the praise to me, "If there is someone who is impressive here, it's Arcelon. I actually have been meaning to ask this yesterday but never really got the chance to do so. Where did you learn about politics?"I brushed off her and gave the answer papa instructed me to deliver if they asked
I stood up and put the used clothes that I removed into the wicker basket next to my bed and opened the cabinet to see the things I haphazardly packed neatly organized inside before I pulled out a boxer, short and white sleeveless undershirt for me to wear.There is a sound of running water inside the closed door on the southern part of the room, which I guess is the bathroom, so I quickly dressed before His Highness saw me butt naked.True enough, after I sat down on the edge of my bed, the door opened, and out came Loki, who was only wearing his boxer briefs, dripping wet and drying himself with the red towel he was scrubbing his hair with.And here I thought I wouldn't get amazed at how "perfect" he is.His body is not as bulky as Aquilo's, but certainly an athletic one.He had bulging biceps and pecs, six-packed abs, and he clearly didn't skip any leg day. He was surprised a little to see me sitting right in front of him and stared at me for a while.I guess he feels good about h
The two of us remained quiet as he continued speaking."It is given that our other classmates, scions they are, to profess their absolute faith in the religion, or at least give a lip service to it. What I wanted to know is what the Crysalian Elemental Religion is for you Cady and Arcelon? Are you devout? A believer or non-believer?"I blinked when I heard his last word, "Non-believer? Is that word even legal?""It isn't technically speaking. But it is a reality all the same. As much as the religious lay ministers around us want to hope, not all Crysalians are faithful to the church. That is what His Holiness has confided to me confidentially. The times, the people, the world are changing and we are slowly but surely losing sway over the people."Cady took a small breath as she tried to tread carefully on the topic, "Are you sure you should be saying that to us? We just met, and we are commoners as well.""The more reason I can trust you to understand where I, no, where we are coming
"Krios will, of course, handle the cooking. Godiva, will be our public representative while Himiko will take care of our finances as a treasurer. Aquilo will be in charge of our security, Loki our consultant and Cady as our logistician."Ester then looked at me kindly, and I knew that look.I have seen that so many times in my life that I've grown used to it.But it doesn't mean that it became less painful, though."Arcelon, we have already covered all of the important tasks. What you can do to help us all at least is to act as our runner," the mistress said ever so carefully as not to offend me, and I appreciated her doing that despite our differences, "If we need someone to buy things, we don't have or contact our teachers and staffs at school, you will be the one who will do it. Also, if any one of us is struggling with our own tasks, you will lend assistance as well."I nodded in agreement, as raising an objection would be futile anyway.That, and I think I am best for that partic
Aquilo blinked and inclined his head in my direction pensively, "Now that you said it, I never have given that much thought.""About what, Aquilo?" Zeo asked curiously."About our privilege and what it looks like from outside looking inside."Ester took a deep breath and sighed, "Well, the reality is we are born high above the social pyramid. Father said that we exist technically on a different plane of reality from the rest.""My own father said the same thing," Himiko followed and smiled a little, "Try as hard as we might, we are just different from other people.""You really do," Cady agreed as she glanced at me quietly before continuing, "Honestly speaking, when I first met you all earlier, it's like I am in front of someone so near yet so far. Like there's this huge invisible wall that separates you all from the real world."Loki grunted loudly as if she was woefully ignorant of a fact, "That's because that's what it should be. We, monarchs, are separated from the common folks by
"...very excited for you being there, brother.""Yes, I was still surprised about it, to be honest.""Surprised? What, are you saying you are not expecting to not pass at all?""Well, yes...""Seriously, I will honestly be more surprised if you didn't.""Still expecting too much from me, Lythena.""Because you can't, that's why. Anyways, I bet mama and papa will be very pleased when I relayed the news.""You think?""I don't think, I know. This is just too much for me to take in. I am literally hyperventilating.""Really, you are overreacting, sister.""Me, overreacting? Please, if it's just some random school in Fang or Alcrima, then yes. But this is Crysalian Military Academy we are talking about which only accepts the best of the best of the cream of the cream of the crops! Only heirs and heiresses have free pass to study at that school. Celebrities are a no-go!""Speaking of that, I am put into a class together with them as well.""No way! Did they...""It is highly unlikely, sist
"You're not going to freeload on us, are you?"I looked in Loki's direction and raised an eyebrow, "I will not ask for money, especially from the likes of someone who don't even know its value."Aquilo laughed aloud as Cady smiled despite herself while the rest of the scions looked offended by what I had just said.All of them, except Himiko, giggled loudly, "If I am an heiress of another nation, I will take your words as offending and discriminatory. But, alas, that's the truth. Most of those born from the monarchies or the top of the nobility food chain are ignorant of how important currency is.""And you are not?" Ester asked pointedly as the baronetess winked at her meaningfully."Of course, I am not. A scion like you I may be, I am from Vosque. The land of commerce where crys is the real ruler and we members of the ruling family are merely there to make sure the cash flowing for everyone else. I definitely understand where our commoner classmate is getting from and his reaction a
"I think it is actually better now that I have to tour you after sundown here in Valeria, the sub-urban town well within the Crysalian Military Academy," Caileane said excitedly as she toured us around the busy streets full of students buying things for their dorm rooms, "You will find stores that cater to both commoners and nobles alike. Branded and general goods are overflowing. Here is my favorite shop for just about everything I need inside my dorm room."Our group stopped in front of a rather quaint and cheap local store full of students from the lower classes, literally taking everything off the shelves because of the new school year sale."I thought you are from the House of Azalea, one of the most prominent noble families of the empire?" Godiva asked, and Loki nodded quietly as he looked at the student council president with a bit of curiosity in his eyes, "Why are you buying in a general goods store?"Our guide just laughed off the question, "Yes, I am from a well-known noble